Deep in his heart, Martin is a great lover of the benjamin of the Turin Fiat family, and in particular the Fiat Topolino. It was the first Volkswagen to put Italy on wheels and the success was particularly great. Even today, the Fiat Topolino is still popular, the Topolino Club Nederland is very active, with Martin also playing a role as treasurer of the club.
By: Dirk de Jong
The Netherlands still has a large number of Microcars, Bubblecars or Dwarf cars that are united in the DWAC. You can encounter quite a few at events and old-timer rides, it remains for the owners to experience the hobby together!
wish list
Nevertheless, the legendary Messerschmitt had been on the wish list for years and via tips from classic country he received information about two 'Kabinenrollers' that were offered for sale from a classic car museum. It is actually a special class, which were called mobility scooters in the XNUMXs. The name now has a completely different meaning with us. It was essentially a motorcycle with a carriage that one could drive with a motorcycle license. The advantages at the time were well known: sitting dry, and an intermediate route from a motorcycle to an automobile. It was a most charming elegant appearance with a completely original design.
Active Clubs
There will not be many more 'Kabinenrollers' driving around in the Netherlands. In Germany the tradition lives stronger, logically as the country of origin. What is the top speed of the Messerschmitt? That will be more than 80 km per hour. If the driver is not a heavyweight, because then the speedometer drops. The parts supply is still reasonable. The Dutch clubs provide the necessary technical advice. An example: The plexiglass often shows cracks, but they are still imitated. However, sometimes they are not quite appropriate. Prices are between 500 and 2.000 euros. It is clear that the Messerschmitt can no longer cope with the speeds on the motorways, but that is no problem in hobby life. The country roads still offer plenty of driving pleasure to the Heinkels, BMW Isetta's, Goggomobil's, Messerschmitt's and other midget cars. It is now a moving museum. With every ride you can see the history of these dwarf cars.
How exciting can it be?
You enjoy the passing clouds, and you sit very close to the asphalt. In the pilot cockpit you almost have the Formula 1 feeling, and with three wheels you have the feeling that it is very fast.
The future?
Martin: “I have plans for the blue Messerschmitt and want to restore it in its entirety. This copy is originally from Sweden. The red Messerschmitt in convertible version comes from Germany, the original license plates are still with these showpieces.” The future looks bright for the blue tricycle and it will remain in Martin's collection. The red convertible is just too good and too beautiful to actually tackle. The question now is whether the duo will stay together. The attraction remains very strong, whatever the future holds; these special classics will always be admired.
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Also read:
- Zündapp Janus. Dwarf car in mirror image.
- BMW Isetta. A unique and beloved dwarf car.
- Bambino 200. Dwarf car with three wheels and a Dutch touch.
- The Shelter. A Dutch dwarf car
- Dwarf cars. A new beginning after WWII
Many years ago I was one in an old bulb shed in Haarlem Citroën Ami 8 refurbishing. It must have been sometime before the XNUMXs.
The owner of the building owned three of these Kabinenrollers. One white, one black and one in a kind of dull blue metallic. When this man sold the property, he dragged these three to another property. My brother (without driver's license) was willing to take place in these cars.
It was a bizarre sight. Actually the total picture.
He later decided to get rid of them. I wonder if they all ended up well after sale.
Bastian
Bought the vinegar on sale?
Gr Erik (a citroen driver )N
Awesome. A few years ago I saw a whole procession in the Weserbergland area. And the nice thing is that this form of mobility is returning.
Something went wrong while posting a photo. I think I'm too old.
Didn't like it before and not now. There was quite a lot of weird stuff driving around in Hilversum.
This was in the mid 50s. There was either very expensive American stuff nearby, or this kind of knick knacks
, Isettas, Goggos even a BMW600, and then the first DS in the neighbourhood, a furniture store on the corner of Lorentzweg and Franklin Street. Then the decision was made for me in one fell swoop.
And that Citroen love still blooms. Lenny Kuhr can probably write something nice about that.
Father's Day in Vancouver